Along with the “No-Build” and previous studied
improvement alternatives, several new alternatives / combinations will be
discussed. Each of these alternatives will proceed through the study process.Some will be dismissed early in the process for not adequately
addressing the study’s purpose and need.Others will proceed through the entire study process and will
eventually be assessed for how well they meet the five tests of feasibility
identified in the introduction.

The No-Build alternative, as
illustrated in Alternative Map No. 1 consists
of improvements that are already planned and programmed in INDOT’s
transportation project development program.This list of projects primarily consists of intersection and signal
improvements, pavement rehabilitation, and bridge rehabilitation.These improvements are scheduled to take place over the next five
years.The “No Build” aspect
to this scenario relates to the fact that no new improvements would emerge
from this study as a recommendation to proceed through INDOT’s project
development process.

This alternative would consist
of roadway and intersection improvements to the existing SR 37, and is
illustrated in Alternative Map No. 2.SR 37 would remain a two-lane highway for the entire corridor.However, spot improvements such as passing lanes, left-turn lanes, and
intersection improvements, would be proposed that address roadway deficiencies
and result in an overall better two-lane facility than the existing SR 37.Additionally, a part of the evaluation process for this alternative
will explore the potential for purchasing limited access right-of-way for
future corridor widening / expansion.

This alternative would improve
SR 37 to a four-lane divided highway with partial access control, using
limited access right-of-way with direct access limited to at-grade
intersections with select public roads, thus creating an expressway
(non-freeway) type facility.Alignment
relocations near Strawtown and Elwood will also be evaluated for this
alternative.Alternative 3 is
illustrated in Alternative Map No. 3.

This alternative would entail
improving SR 37 to a limited-access, fully controlled four-lane freeway, as
illustrated in Alternative Map No. 4.Access to the freeway would be limited to interchanges.All other crossroads having existing intersections with SR 37 will be
terminated or provided simple grade separations (bridge over or under SR 37).The highway would follow the existing alignment where
possible, but the proposed improvements may require relocations in the
vicinity of Strawtown and Elwood.

Alternative 5, as illustrated
in Alternative Map No. 5, is a variation of
Alternative 3 in that it involves upgrading SR 37 to a 4-Lane divided
Expressway (non-freeway) between Noblesville and Elwood.However, Alternative 5 differs from Alternative 3 between Elwood and
Marion, as it consists of an improved two-lane highway, similar to Alternative
2. Similarly to Alternative 2, a part of the evaluation process for the 2-Lane
portion of this alternative will explore the potential for purchasing limited
access right-of-way for future corridor widening / expansion.

4-Lane Divided Expressway (non-freeway) to 213, “No-Build” north
to Marion.

This alternative is a hybrid of
Alternatives 1 and 3, and is illustrated Alternative
Map No. 6.The existing
four-lane expressway (non-freeway) would be extended from Noblesville to SR
213.From Route 213 to Marion,
this alternative would consist of roadway and intersection improvements that
are already planned or programmed, the same as the “No Build” alternative.

This alternative was suggested by the
Stakeholders Committee at a meeting on July 24, 2001, and would involve
improving the existing two-lanes of SR 13 southward from the south junction of
SR 37 and SR 13 as shown in Alternative Map No. 7.SR 13
would become the new route for SR 37, being realigned around the west side of
Lapel.It would eventually join
the existing SR 13 alignment just north of I-69.This could serve to divert traffic from “Old” SR 37, particularly
between Noblesville and I-69.This
alternative could be utilized in conjunction with several of the other
alternatives, primarily those with a four-lane option between Elwood and
Noblesville.The recommended
improvements from the Indianapolis MPO (CONNECTIONS Study) will play a large
role in the evaluation of this alternative.Any proposed improvement between I-69 and Noblesville from the
CONNECTIONS study will be modeled as a part of the existing facility in the
evaluation of this alternative.

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